Why Are Autoimmune Diseases on the Rise?
Modern life bombards us daily with processed foods, chemicals, toxins, GMOs, and relentless stress. Our immune systems are exposed to more foreign molecules than ever before. It’s no wonder that, for many people, the immune system becomes overwhelmed and confused, sometimes mistaking the body’s own tissues for invaders.
But here’s the hopeful news: Autoimmune disease can be put into remission. I’ve helped many clients find relief—sometimes even coming off immunosuppressive medications—by addressing the unique triggers that set their immune systems on edge. And you can be a bridge to this kind of healing, too.
Your Autoimmune Puzzle is Unique
Every person’s autoimmune journey is different. The root causes of immune activation are unique, but often boil down to a handful of triggers. Some of the most common include:
✔ Intestinal yeast overgrowth
✔ Heavy metal toxicity (like lead or arsenic)
✔ Undiagnosed food sensitivities
✔ Vitamin D deficiency
✔ B vitamin insufficiency (which impairs detoxification)
✔ Adrenal exhaustion
✔ Non-pathogenic bacterial overgrowth (such as Clostridia)
The good news? There’s testing available for all of these, although testing is not absolutely necessary. It takes time and detective work, but the puzzle can be solved.
The One Thing All Autoimmune Diseases Have in Common
While triggers are unique, there’s one factor that ties nearly all autoimmune diseases together: intestinal permeability, also known as “leaky gut.”
Genetics can predispose us to certain autoimmune conditions, but genes alone rarely cause disease. It's our environment—what we eat, breathe, and absorb—that determines whether those genes get “switched on.” And the gut is the body’s primary interface with the environment.
When the gut lining becomes permeable, it allows inflammatory molecules, toxins, and even microbes to slip into the bloodstream. This shortcut to systemic circulation is a recipe for chronic inflammation and immune confusion.
Gluten and Zonulin: The Leaky Gut Connection
One major culprit is often gluten, the protein found in wheat and other grains. Gluten can trigger the release of a protein called zonulin in the gut, which increases intestinal permeability. For those with autoimmune disease, even tiny amounts of gluten can keep the gut leaky and the immune system on high alert.
The Power of Gluten Elimination and Gut Healing
For anyone with an autoimmune disorder, complete gluten elimination—not just “mostly gluten-free”—is a powerful way to break the cycle of leaky gut and immune activation. This must be a 100% commitment to see results.
And you don’t have to do it alone. My role is to support you through this transition:
- I’ll help you find delicious, whole-food alternatives.
- I’ll teach you how to read labels and spot hidden sources of gluten.
- I’ll prepare you for social situations and restaurant dining.
- I’ll be your cheerleader and guide every step of the way!
After a couple weeks of full gluten elimination, we can begin to heal your gut lining with targeted supplements. My favorites include:
- L-glutamine (an amino acid that repairs the intestinal villi)
- Mucilaginous herbs (like aloe or DGL licorice) to soothe and rebuild the mucosal lining
(I often recommend easy-to-use blends that combine these ingredients.)
Remember, there are often other sources of gut inflammation (like yeast or bacterial overgrowth) that need to be addressed for full healing—especially if you have IBS. But starting with gluten elimination and gut repair can bring significant relief while we work together to solve the rest of your unique health puzzle.
Finding Relief While We Heal the Root
While long-term remission requires addressing root causes, short-term symptom relief is possible—especially by calming inflammation at its source (the gut). Here’s what I often recommend to help my clients feel better as we work on deeper healing:
- Curcumin (Meriva form): A powerful anti-inflammatory.
- Vitamin D: To support immune balance.
- Quercetin: To reduce inflammation and repair gut permeability.
- L-glutamine powder: To help heal the gut lining.
- Probiotics: Especially those containing Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
- Full gluten elimination: And, for many, eventually eliminating dairy and all grains, as sensitivities are common.
Don’t worry—you won’t have to make all these changes at once! We’ll go step by step, at a pace that works for you.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Autoimmune diseases may look different on the surface, but they all share a common story: a confused immune system, often triggered by a leaky gut. By identifying and addressing your unique root causes—and starting with gut healing and gluten elimination—you can find real, lasting relief.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward remission, I’m here to help you put the pieces together. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let’s work together to reclaim your health—one step, one meal, and one day at a time.
Contact me today to schedule your personalized consultation. Your journey to remission starts here.
